Keep Humidity at Bay and the Home Feeling Cooler
Most people know that the moisture in the air, or humidity, plays a role in how hot or cold the daily temperature feels. High humidity can make an eighty-five-degree day feel much warmer than that. This is why weather reports often have a “real feel” temperature, stating how warm it feels when factoring in the humidity. Humidity is not just a problem outside. It can be a challenge inside the home as well. Dehumidifier installation is the answer to this problem.
How Dehumidifiers Work
There are two main types of dehumidifiers: room dehumidifiers and whole-house dehumidifiers. These appliances pull in the air from the home and remove the moisture from the air by running the air across a cooled coil. The moisture then condenses on the coil and drops into a collection tub.
The conditioned air is blown out of the vent and back into the house. The humidity reduction has many advantages that will be discussed later in this article. Still, it is worth noting that the original use for the air conditioning apparatus patented by Willis Carrier was to remove humidity from the air, not cool it. This was his solution for his experience of summers in a paper and publishing company.
Indicators That Show a Home Needs a Dehumidifier
So, how does a homeowner know if they need a humidifier? How can they tell if a whole-house dehumidifier or a smaller version for a single room is needed? This section will discuss what signs indicate that a dehumidifier would be helpful. These indicators can be inconvenient, but some problems can also affect people's health in the household and the home structure. These will be explored in the bulleted list below.
- Condensation: Usually, condensation in the home appears on the windows first, but it can also appear on the walls and even dampen furniture and clothing.
- Mold: Mold thrives in damp, warm spaces. Microbes such as mold and mildew are not only unpleasant to look at, but they can also damage structural integrity and health, especially respiratory health for vulnerable populations and those with chronic lung issues.
- Musty Smells: This can be another sign of long-standing moisture and come directly from mold growth.
Advantages of a Whole Home Dehumidifier
Because warmth and moisture often combine, summer is one of the most crucial times to have a dehumidifier. Below are some of the benefits of installing one for the whole home:
- It assists the air conditioner, so it does not have to work as hard to cool.
- It helps improve indoor air quality.
- Helps prevent damage to walls and furniture.
- Makes the home feel cooler even at the same temperature.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Serving Livermore, CA, and the Tri-Valley area, Barker Heating & Cooling has provided excellent customer care for over 25 years. They offer same-day and emergency HVAC services, such as dehumidifier installation. Call today.
